Mascherin’s maturation rewarding for Rangers
Posted Oct 17, 2015 09:22:59 AM.
Last Updated Nov 11, 2015 06:53:04 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Adam Mascherin showed up to Waterloo Region a month ahead of schedule, and it’s paying off.
The Rangers second-overall selection in the 2014 priority draft notched his second goal of the night Friday, in extra-time, as the Rangers ripped the Owen Sound Attack 3-2 in overtime.
He’s leading the team in points this season, with 10 in seven games.
According to Mascherin, Head Coach Mike Van Ryn told the sophomore forward it might be a good idea to come to Kitchener early; it could help him better understand what it takes to be a pro.
The Maple, Ontario native came to The Aud, and met with the teams nutritionist, and spent time talking to Van Ryn about how to take the next step in his career. When asked what he thought it meant to be a pro, Mascherin answered in one word, ‘relentlessness’.
He has been just that this year. In his rookie season, it took Mascherin until December 9th to notch his 10th point.
His skating as noticeably improved, and so has his ice time. Coach Van Ryn is relying on Mascherin heavily, putting him on the top line Friday, with Ryan MacInnis and overager Brandon Robinson, who made his return to the line-up after recovering from hip-surgery this summer.
After the game, while waiting for media, Mascherin mentioned one reason for his success – shooting. “It’s probably a good idea to do that”, he said. With a shot like his, yes, yes it is. Mascherin has said he used to take 500 shots a day at his Dad’s garage, and the marks are there to prove it.
If he keeps shooting, he’ll be leaving a big mark on this team, and this league.
NOTES:
– Robinson scored the Rangers opening goal, just over 10 minutes into his return
– Ryan MacInnis notched two assists.
– The overtime win was the first in four attempts for the Rangers this year.
– The Rangers announced they’ve assigned Mark Bzowey to the Kitchener Dutchmen of the GOJHL and signed free-agent defenceman Matt Ferrari
– The win kicks off a three-in-three weekend; Kitchener visits Barrie tonight and Guelph tomorrow.
